My right nipple is broken..what to do with the milk?

[Lizziepots]

OK, so not exactly broken but there is a major crack running right around one side. It doesn't seem to be healing (has been there since Friday last week). M/W said to keep baby off it for 24 hours to give it a chance but I've tried to perservere as my left breast empties so fast and then she gets no satisfaction (although she will keep suckling this side but appears hungry still). Now, when I feed from left breast, the right one drips like a broken tap and does empty itself somewhat. I also express some off it (got nearly 5oz the other day) as want to make sure it keeps up its production.

Anyway, my Mum has taken a look at it and said she wouldn't put it in a baby's mouth (is kind of weeping although m/w said it isn't puss, rather just healing and after every feed it gets deeper and longer!). So, now I'm thinking I should give it that 24 hours. I've been using Lansinoh and m/w said to keep it wet to heal it...but I think fresh air round it would be better. What do you think?

Also, should I be regimented in how often/ much I express? It fills up nicely overnight and I can get it empty when I need to to stop it being uncomfortable.

Just want ot make sure it's fully functioning ready for when I let her back on it!

 

[sam's mum]

I had exactly the same when I first started feeding Sam - huge crack/hole in my right nipple - it looked like it was never going to heal. If you are leaving it for 24 hours, just pump off as much as you can every time she's due a feed from that side (as long as it's just cracked and not infected, it's ok to feed her the milk from it). I didn't ever give mine a complete break, but if it was really painful I would pump and give Sam that milk. I used to air dry it with a bit of breast milk after each feed, but apply Lansinoh before I put breast pads on it as it would stick to them even after air drying, which would make it worse.

If you are only feeding from the left, and pumping the right to keep your supply up your body is going to start making more milk than you need. As long as it's not infected it's best to feed her anything you express too (also easier for you). As long as her latch is ok it will hopefully heal quite quickly (as your nipple will be safely at the back of her mouth!) but you might want to get someone to check it when you put her back on so you won't need to worry about it getting any worse. Hope it gets better for you soon x

Love your avatar btw x

 

[Margerle]

What sam's mum said!

Apply breastmilk, air dry and then lansinoh

 

[sam's mum]

What sam's mum said!

Apply breastmilk, air dry and then lansinoh

I love it when you say that...if Marg thinks so too, I must be right x

 

[rowleypolie]

i had the same problem but i was told to keep bringing her to the nipple- i even started to bleed a little. Bad news was it was sore for a long time and even though its not cracked anymore it still has its tender moments. Now she eats about the same on both sides- i produce a little less on the sore one because it hurt too much for me to allow her alot of time on it.

 

[Lizziepots]

lol had to laugh Sam's mum! Good to know your answer's same as Marg's eh?

 

[KarenLV]

I had it too when Skyler was one month old. I swear by Bepanthen ointment! It is fantastic for nipples and nappy rash!It's pricey but a little goes a long way.You can buy it at the pharmacy over the counter.

 

[sam's mum]

lol had to laugh Sam's mum! Good to know your answer's same as Marg's eh?

Definitely! Marg is always right! x

 

[ExcitedMum2Be]

I would maybe express after every feed as then you can get more out. But if you express too much you may then make too much milk in that breast if you get what I mean?

As for the healing, I have found the best thing to heal them is fresh air and your own milk. So after you express use a drop or two and rub it into your nipple and it will keep it moist and hopefully a little less painful.

The cream you are using has been recommended tons so keep up with it. But persevere with the expressing, as if you stop then your milk in that boob will stop which you def dont want if you want to carry on breast feeding once your healed.

I really hope it heals quickly for you hunni, I know how painful it can be and its just not nice is it x